Student-Centered is the official podcast of the Arkansas Student Affairs Association, dedicated to keeping students at the heart of higher education. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to student affairs, this podcast offers inspiration, strategies, and meaningful conversations. Explore challenges, opportunities, and innovative ideas shaping the student experience, while celebrating the work of professionals across Arkansas. Grab your coffee, and let’s connect, learn, and grow—because staying student-centered ensures success for our students and communities!
In this special two-part series of The Student-Centered Podcast, host Zackery Tucker sits down with Mary Margaret DeBow of the University of Arkansas–Pulaski Technical College to explore how academic advising can move beyond transactional tasks and become a meaningful mentoring relationship. Together, they discuss building trust with students, fostering self-reflection and independent decision-making, supporting students' personal and academic growth, and creating a culture of advising that e...
17 Apr 2026
Making Conferences Count, Part 2.
We continue our conversation with Leanna Payton, Director of Housing and Community Standards at Henderson State University, to discuss how new professionals in Student Affairs can get the most out of conference experiences. From navigating your first conference to building meaningful professional connections, Leanna shares practical advice on preparing with intention, showing up with confidence, and turning conference moments into long-term career growth.
2 Apr 2026
Making Conferences Count
In this episode of Student-Centered, we welcome Leanna Payton, Director of Housing and Community Standards at Henderson State University, to discuss how new professionals in Student Affairs can get the most out of conference experiences. From navigating your first conference to building meaningful professional connections, Leanna shares practical advice on preparing with intention, showing up with confidence, and turning conference moments into long-term career growth.
20 Mar 2026
The Student Affairs Balancing Act, Part 2.
In this episode of Student-Centered, we talk with Stephanie London, Assistant Dean of Students at the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith, about what it means to be a multi-functional professional in student affairs. Stephanie shares how her role spans several programs and functional areas, offering insight into the opportunities and challenges of supporting students across multiple campus initiatives. The conversation explores how balancing diverse responsibilities can strengthen collaboration...
5 Mar 2026
The Student Affairs Balancing Act
In this episode of Student-Centered, we talk with Stephanie London, Assistant Dean of Students at the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith, about what it means to be a multi-functional professional in student affairs. Stephanie shares how her role spans several programs and functional areas, offering insight into the opportunities and challenges of supporting students across multiple campus initiatives. The conversation explores how balancing diverse responsibilities can strengthen collaboration...
30 Oct 2025
Artificial Intelligence in Student Affairs Work
In this episode of the Student-Centered, host Zackery Tucker has a conversation with Ava AI, an artificial intelligence persona, to explore the evolving role of AI in the world of Student Affairs — from everyday strategies that save time and improve decision-making, to deeper questions about ethics, equity, and the human connection that defines education. The episode is a recording of a virtual conversation with the AI tool ChatGPT using the Everway Read&Write tool about AI use in Student...
18 Sept 2025
Shorter College Stands in the Gap for Displaced Students.
As a new academic year begins, this special episode of the Student‑Centered Podcast offers encouragement to student affairs professionals preparing for move‑in, orientation, and the return of students to campus. Drawing on research and real stories, host Zackery Tucker highlights the vital role you play in fostering belonging, guiding transitions, and shaping futures. From residence life to advising, counseling to multicultural affairs, this episode reminds you that every conversation, every ...
31 Jul 2025
Your Work Changes Lives: A New Year Message for Student Affairs Professionals
As a new academic year begins, this special episode of the Student‑Centered Podcast offers encouragement to student affairs professionals preparing for move‑in, orientation, and the return of students to campus. Drawing on research and real stories, host Zackery Tucker highlights the vital role you play in fostering belonging, guiding transitions, and shaping futures. From residence life to advising, counseling to multicultural affairs, this episode reminds you that every conversation, every ...
24 Jul 2025
Leading as a New Professional, Part 2.
In this episode, we continue the conversation with two new professionals, Faith Earl and Kendra Erickson, Resident Life Coordinators at the University of Central Arkansas, as they share personal insights and lessons learned from stepping into student affairs leadership for the first time. This conversation is part-two of a two part conversation that was originally recorded in front of an audience at the SWACUHO Arkansas Summer Drive-in, featuring an engaging From navigating the shift from pee...
17 Jul 2025
Leading as a New Professional, Part 1.
Recorded in front of an audience at the SWACUHO Arkansas Summer Drive-in, this episode of Student-Centered features an engaging conversation with two new professionals, Faith Earl and Kendra Erickson, Resident Life Coordinators at the University of Central Arkansas, as they share personal insights and lessons learned from stepping into student affairs leadership for the first time. From navigating the shift from peer to supervisor to leading with empathy and building strong teams, Faith and K...
10 Jul 2025
Bridging Student Affairs: Legal Compliance to Leadership, Part 2.
In this episode of Student-Centered, we welcome back Jason Smith, Vice President of Student Affairs at Black River Technical College and adjunct professor of Higher Education Law at Arkansas State University. With over 15 years of experience, Smith is known statewide for his expertise in student rights, FERPA, and creating student-centered systems. Smith shared his insights on thinking differently about higher education law and student affairs leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned professiona...
26 Jun 2025
Bridging Student Affairs: Legal Compliance to Leadership, Part 1.
In this episode of Student-Centered, we sit down with Jason Smith, Vice President of Student Affairs at Black River Technical College and adjunct professor of Higher Education Law at Arkansas State University. With over 15 years of experience, Smith is known statewide for his expertise in student rights, FERPA, and creating student-centered systems. Smith shared his insights on thinking differently about higher education law and student affairs leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned profession...
19 Jun 2025
Beyond College-Ready: Shifting the Institutional Mindset, Part 2.
In this episode of Student-Centered, we welcome back Dr. Rickey Rogers, Vice Chancellor for Student Services at Southern Arkansas University Tech, for a special two-part conversation that unpacks the difference between seeking “college-ready” students versus designing institutions that are ready for the students they serve. Dr. Rogers opens up about his own college journey, the mentors who helped him along the way, and why student access and retention remain at the heart of his work. He also ...
12 Jun 2025
Beyond College-Ready: Shifting the Institutional Mindset, Part 1.
In this episode of Student-Centered, we sit down with Dr. Rickey Rogers, Vice Chancellor for Student Services at Southern Arkansas University Tech, for a special two-part conversation that unpacks the difference between seeking “college-ready” students versus designing institutions that are ready for the students they serve. Dr. Rogers opens up about his own college journey, the mentors who helped him along the way, and why student access and retention remain at the heart of his work. He also...
5 Jun 2025
Investing in Student Affairs Professionals, Part 2.
In this episode of the Student-Centered Podcast, we welcome back Dr. Robin Williamson, Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Central Arkansas, for a special two-part conversation on Investing in Student Affairs Professionals. Drawing from her 2022 chapter in the NASPA-published book First-generation Professionals in Higher Education: Strategies for the World of Work, Dr. Williamson shares insights on the challenges and strengths of first-generation professionals, the importa...
29 May 2025
Investing in Student Affairs Professionals, Part 1.
In this episode of the Student-Centered Podcast, we welcome Dr. Robin Williamson, Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Central Arkansas, for a special two-part conversation on Investing in Student Affairs Professionals. Drawing from her 2022 chapter in the NASPA-published book First-generation Professionals in Higher Education: Strategies for the World of Work, Dr. Williamson shares insights on the challenges and strengths of first-generation professionals, the importance o...
22 May 2025
Reflections on NASPA’s “The Next Act” Book.
In this episode, we explore The Next Act, a compelling collection from NASPA that redefines what it means to build a meaningful career in student affairs. From quiet quitting and shifting institution types to consulting, teaching, and even transitioning beyond higher education, this episode highlights how professionals are embracing purpose-driven change over traditional career longevity. We unpack key chapters and reflect on how growth, adaptability, and values—not titles or tenure—are shapi...
15 May 2025
Supporting First-Generation Student Success.
In the inaugural episode of the Student-Centered Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Nadia Eslinger, Director of the Bear Life Program at the University of Central Arkansas, for a powerful conversation on Supporting First-Generation Student Success. Recorded live in front of an audience at the Critical Conversations Drive-In Conference—co-hosted by NASPA Region IV-West and ArSAA at Northwest Arkansas Community College—this episode explores the unique needs of first-generation college students and th...
9 May 2025
About the Student-Centered Podcast
Student-Centered is the official podcast of the Arkansas Student Affairs Association, dedicated to keeping students at the heart of higher education. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to student affairs, this podcast offers inspiration, strategies, and meaningful conversations. Explore challenges, opportunities, and innovative ideas shaping the student experience, while celebrating the work of professionals across Arkansas. Grab your coffee, and let’s connect, learn, and grow—because stayi...
Podcast Authority Score: 27 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
54
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
Contact Student-Centered
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Student-Centered?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
